How many accidents are too many accidents? Tourism Safety in Antarctica

• Main Author: McLauchlan, Melissa
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: University of Canterbury 2013
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Ushuaia; Orlova; Antarc*; Antarctica; Nordkapp
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/13881

In recent years there have been several accidents related to tourism in Antarctica, and the risks are continuing to escalate. There is potential for a catastrophe for the passengers involved, the rescuers, the research projects being performed, and the Antarctic environment. However, there doesn'�t appear to be much research focused on prevention. Just what is being done to prevent further world headlines about Antarctic accidents such as those on Explorer, M/S Nordkapp, Lyubov Orlova, M/S Fram, M/S Ushuaia and M/S Ocean Nova? What actions are being taken to prevent further loss of life like those on the yacht Berserk? This literature review surveys the information and research which is publicly available and which addresses the subject of safety in Antarctica. In the last decade human activity in Antarctica has increased substantially. Although some actions have been taken through co-operative agreements to limit the risks this creates, these actions have been partial and non-binding to many countries, individuals and enterprises. This review establishes that despite escalating risks, no urgent action has been undertaken to develop binding protocols for Antarctic expeditions.